Oysters could help protect coastlines against storms and sea-level rise

Experts say restoring oyster reefs could provide a natural buffer against coastal erosion and storm damage as sea levels rise.

Catherine Zhu reports for CBC.

In short:

After Hurricane Sandy, New York launched a project to rebuild oyster reefs as wave barriers, with Canada exploring similar methods.
Oyster reefs can naturally grow over time, unlike static infrastructure, making them ideal for long-term coastal protection.
Regulatory challenges in Canada, including concerns over shellfish diseases, have delayed restoration efforts despite the proven benefits of oyster reefs.

Key quote:

"It was the first time I'd come across the messaging needing to change from, 'we need to get our emissions to reduce,' to 'we need to start trying to protect lives."

— Tim Green, fisheries and aquaculture professor at Vancouver Island University

Why this matters:

Oyster reefs offer a sustainable way to shield coastlines from storm surges and erosion. As climate change accelerates, finding nature-based solutions like these could save lives and preserve vulnerable ecosystems.

www.cbc.ca

Oysters could help protect coastlines against storms and sea-level rise

The EPA's data on cancer risk from air pollution has gone dark

With Puerto Rico’s water crisis, climate change meets ineptitude

‘The real challenge starts after sundown’: Europe’s heatwave boosted solar by up to 17% on hot days

What to know about the Supreme Court’s major climate case this fall

Federal job cuts are making wildfires harder to fight

So much solar: Digging into the list of every U.S. power plant that went online this year

In Arizona, the thermostat is driving voters to the polls

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.